Current weather

Augusta Christian took time before its girls basketball game Friday in recognition of a departed teacher, mentor and friend.

Math teacher Dot Shires died Friday after battling cancer for more than a year and a half.

“She was here for 12 years and had an excellent relationship with all our students,” said Dr. David Piccolo, Augusta Christian head of school. “She never stopped being a positive influence all the way to the end. There’s no doubt she’s resting in heaven.”

Evolving state and federal mandates are lending an air of uncertainty as Columbia County officials begin to prepare next year’s budget.

Next year’s budget likely will be flat compared to this year’s $56 million budget, with the tax digest remaining stable, said Commission Chairman Ron Cross in his annual budget address Tuesday prior to the meeting of the Management and Financial Services Committee.

A bill filed this week by a Columbia County lawmaker would require insurance companies in Georgia to pay for early intervention care for children with autism.

Ava’s Law, named for a Lyons, Ga., girl with autism, is sponsored by state Rep. Ben Harbin, R-Evans. The legislation would mandate insurance companies pay for expensive, intensive services for children diagnosed with autism.

Area gardeners, outdoor enthusiasts and do-it-yourselfers won’t want to miss the Augusta Home and Garden Show on Feb. 22-24 at James Brown Arena.

Many homeowners will use the eighth annual event to begin planning for their spring and summer landscaping, gardening and home-improvement projects.

“If you’re not a gardener, you are at least concerned about your lawn,” said Valerie Martin, Richmond County Extension and 4-H secretary. “It’s a great time for home-owners to ask questions and get some answers from area master gardeners.”

When the faucet is turned on, you expect the water to be safe to drink. If it comes from the county system, the water that comes out of the faucet has been tested and meets safety standards. However, everyone does not receive water from a municipal source.

There are many private wells in the area. The owners of these wells expect the water pumped out of the ground to be safe to drink. The owner of the well is responsible for testing the quality of the water he is drinking.

Call Columbia County Animal Services. The agency’s manager, Linda Glasscock, practically grinds her teeth in frustration when she hears someone has lost a pet, yet waits several days before calling the shelter to see if the pet has been picked up.

“That really gets under my skin,” she said. “If I lost my animal, the first place I would be is my local animal shelter.”

Spreading the word in that regard is among her agency’s ongoing challenges, Glasscock said, along with the continual push for people to spay or neuter their pets.